Chapter 154 The Harem Shall Not Interfere in Politics 2

The Emperor’s expression was equally unpleasant; just as he had convinced Shu Yuwan, someone came to disrupt the situation!

Although it was true that there was an ancestral decree prohibiting the harem from meddling in politics, since the founding of the Great Yuan Dynasty, there had been many Empresses who had ruled behind the curtains. Shu Yuwan was merely assisting him in reviewing documents.

Shu Yuwan had a sense of political awareness and could handle administrative tasks easily. In the future, if there were any changes in the political landscape, she wouldn’t be completely passive. As the mother of Mingcheng, she couldn’t afford to be weak.

However, respecting the ancestral decree, the Emperor had to speak in a gentle tone, “The Prime Minister and Wei Guogong are overly concerned. The Empress was only helping me organize documents during my illness; it doesn’t constitute interference in politics.”

Seeing the Emperor not even directly addressing Wei Guogong, and even avoiding private meetings, Wei Guogong felt a pang of unease. He remained silent, especially with Fu Jude, who considered himself upright, leading the charge. There was no need for him to be overly vocal.

Indeed, Fu Jude’s brows furrowed deeply, and despite Shu Yuwan’s presence, he lamented, “Your Majesty, you are mistaken! In the past, the Empress seized power and nearly severed the imperial lineage. We must learn from this cautionary tale!”

Although the Empress was chosen by the Emperor’s decree, being a woman who had been married before and had virtually displaced the other consorts, Wei Guogong had long held reservations. While he could tolerate matters in the harem, he couldn’t stand interference in political affairs.

Upon hearing this, Shu Yuwan’s previously composed expression turned thoroughly grim.

With a cold laugh, she retorted, “The Prime Minister only mentions the Empress seizing power, but there was only one Empress. Throughout history, there have been many who assisted emperors in stabilizing the situation or even helped conquer territories alongside the emperors during turmoil.”

“Empress Shenghui assisted three generations of emperors, aiding Emperor Chengkang in stabilizing the court and achieving extraordinary feats. Empress Zhang and Emperor Daxu conquered vast territories together, and later, she assisted Emperor Wenchang in ascending the throne. There are countless examples like these. Why doesn’t the Prime Minister mention them?”

“Bringing up just one Empress and insinuating that I am about to seize the throne of Great Dynasty is baseless.”

Fu Jude was momentarily speechless after Shu Yuwan’s unexpected and lengthy argument. He hadn’t expected the Empress to engage in such a sharp debate on the spot.

After regaining his composure, he bowed to Shu Yuwan and calmly stated, “Empress, the harem must not interfere in politics; this is an ancestral rule that must not be broken.”

Shu Yuwan smiled gently, “Prime Minister, as the Emperor has stated, I have not interfered in politics. I have only assisted the Emperor in organizing memorials. Is it possible that a mere glance at a memorial by a woman from the harem would cause the heavens to fall?”

Fu Jude was momentarily speechless and couldn’t help but glance at Wei Guogong.

Wei Guogong stood silently to the side, only uttering “I concur” at the beginning and refraining from further comments. It was clear that he was being used as a pawn.

However, as a veteran of three dynasties, for the stability of Great Dynasty, he had to act even if he knew it was necessary.

The Emperor and Shu Yuwan both took note of Fu Jude’s reaction.

The Emperor cautioned the two of them with a smile, “My dear ministers, do not jump to conclusions. The Empress is a model of the inner palace; how could she overstep her bounds!”

Seeing the Emperor and Empress’s firm stance, and with the Empress merely organizing documents, Fu Jude had to temporarily hold back. However, he still advised, “Your Majesty, it’s just that historical matters should not involve the harem. Even if it’s just organizing documents, there are already cabinets and offices for that purpose. There’s no need to burden the Empress needlessly.”

The Emperor jokingly asked, “Is the Prime Minister teaching me how to govern?”

“I dare not!” Fu Jude replied with an unchanged expression.

As a loyal subject, he had to be faithful to the Emperor. Even if he inadvertently displeased the Emperor, he couldn’t back down!

“The Prime Minister is not getting any younger…”

Upon hearing this, Fu Jude’s pupils constricted.

The Emperor chuckled, “If your health permits, continue to assist me for a few more years, sharing my burdens. If your energy wanes and you’re unsure of what to do, return home in good time to enjoy your retirement.”

Fu Jude’s chest heaved at the Emperor’s words, and after a moment, he said, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am still in good health.”

“Very well, I hope the Prime Minister can continue to share my burdens, putting my mind at ease.”

“If there’s nothing else, you may retire.”

This time, Fu Jude didn’t say much more. Together with Wei Guogong, he turned and left decisively.

Outside the Palace, Fu Jude left Wei Guogong behind and strode forward, leaving him  to ponder the consequences of offending the Emperor. He hadn’t expected the Emperor to protect the Shu Yuwan so staunchly, even resorting to using Fu Jude as a shield!

Wei Guogong felt somewhat lost for a moment. Could the Wei family truly produce another Empress? They had reaped immense benefits from the virtuous Empress Dowager, and the family was reluctant to give up such an easy path to power and glory.

It seemed entirely different from the situation with Shu Yuwan back then! Initially, she had wholeheartedly loved the Emperor, but as the Emperor couldn’t reciprocate the same loyalty and affection, he compensated the Wei family for this debt.

But now, with his daughter falling in love with the Emperor, who didn’t return her affections? Thinking about Wei Wushuang still in the palace, Wei Guogong was unsure of what to do. He had intentionally delayed Wei Wushuang’s departure from the palace, but was there really any hope?